Conclusions
This Synthesis Report provides a useful basis to the commencement of the design phase of the BMIP . It is also evident that further work is required to tailor and refine management options to deliver the most cost effective and timely solutions for TSS and particulate nutrient reductions in the BBB catchment . The following lessons are highlighted for the BMIP :
• Focus on the opportunity by landholders in the BBB to make a real difference to water quality .
• MIP needs to build on and value add to other investment initiatives .
• MIP needs to be embedded in a participatory approach which recognises and validates local knowledge and experience , and value adds to existing local and institutional networks .
• Given that there are only about 70 landholders in the BBB catchment , a personalised approach is justified .
• If we understand what motivates landholders in the BBB and how they perceive and manage risk , incentives can be better tailored for maximum adoption and environmental benefit .
• Keep working with landholders who are already engaged and BMP accredited .
• Make efforts to increase other landholders ’ readiness to adopt BMPs though engagement , extension , education , information , suasion and research .
• Provide mix of incentives – financial and knowledge support .
• Bring industry organisations on board .
• Get communication right – public perception is critical to longevity .
• Measure and validate . Document success . Replicate trials .
• Some activities will need to be targeted spatially and others catchment-wide – still some uncertainty regarding ‘ hotspot ’ areas . More detailed assessments needed in early stages … LIDAR ?
• Selection of sites for on-ground works will initially be driven by other factors such as logistics , social acceptability , resource availability , landholder support – supported by more strategic assessment as project progresses .
• Opportunity to refine application of Source Catchments model at smaller scales .
To enable broader uptake of channel remediation across the GBR catchments , and to demonstrate progress in sediment management to stakeholders and the public , we need to develop evidence of the benefit of these actions on ( i ) reducing the amount of sediment leaving the treated area ( ii ) the cost-effectiveness of the treatment options and ( iii ) the influence of the treatment on the agricultural production at the paddock / property scale . This will provide quantitative evidence of the cost-effectiveness of various remediation options , and provide greater confidence that remediation of these features will provide the water quality benefits required of Reef Trust investment in vulnerable rangeland areas across all GBR catchments .
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